A faculty member at a Christian university in Hobbs is joining the race for governor.
Republican Nathan Krekula writes on his campaign Web site that he supports the development of new energy technologies and protecting natural resources along with support for the oil and gas industry. He also writes on his Web site about the importance of education, religion and free enterprise.
Krekula is an assistant professor of biology at University of the Southwest, which according to its Web site is a “a Christ-centered educational community dedicated to developing men and women for a lifetime of servant leadership by emphasizing individual faith, responsibility, and initiative.”
He was in the U.S. Army for 12 years and worked in the health-care industry for 15, according to his Web site. He has a doctorate degree in epidemiology from Walden University.
Krekula’s Web site states that he “believes in limited government, personal responsibility and moral values. He is a conservative who agrees with George Washington’s Farewell Address that ‘religion and morality are indispensable supports’ to political prosperity.”
He says he will “support the oil industry that provides jobs and prosperity to the great state of New Mexico… encourage and grow family values as they are the backbone of America and its greatness” and “work to show the importance of education from a personal level as well as reaching out to New Mexico Homeschoolers.”
“Nathan loves New Mexico and he wants to see it become an example to the nation of how free enterprise can restore our nation’s greatness,” he writes on his Web site.
Krekula, a political unknown, will face some stiff opposition in the GOP primary. Doña Ana County District Attorney Susana Martinez and State Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones of Albuquerque have already entered the race. Public relations professional Doug Turner appears to be about to jump into the race, and Former state GOP Chairman Allen Weh has formed an exploratory committee.
In addition, former U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson says she’s thinking about running.
On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish is the only declared 2010 gubernatorial candidate, though Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez says he’s formed an exploratory committee.